AGP Executive Report

Security and Accountability: The SSPDF says its inquiry found no link between President Salva Kiir’s brother-in-law, Gregory Deng Kuac, and a September shooting near Juba Airport. The army also said it was overwhelmed by armed youths during deadly clashes in Rumbek, where rival communities fought and troops were killed. Election Preparations: Central Equatoria’s caretaker cabinet adopted a 14-point transition plan, while the National Elections Commission announced 13 state-level election vacancies and the SPLM ordered nomination exercises to proceed. Opposition Tensions: SPLA-IO leader Oyet Nathaniel Pierino offered amnesty to rival fighters after factional clashes in Unity State killed at least 10 people. In court, Riek Machar challenged his position among the accused and linked his trial to the failed Tumaini talks. Humanitarian Crisis: WFP says 7.8 million South Sudanese struggle to find enough food as funding shortfalls threaten aid. Regional Trade: South Sudan has asked Tanzania for land for an inland cargo depot, seeking another route to international markets alongside Kenya.

Election Preparations: The National Elections Commission has opened applications for 13 state and administrative-area returning officers, while the ruling SPLM has ordered aspirants to prepare for party primaries. Central Equatoria has also launched voter education ahead of the December 22 polls, as the UN warns disinformation could undermine the process. Security: Fighting between rival SPLM-IO factions in Unity State has killed at least 10 and wounded eight; Oyet Nathaniel Pierino has offered amnesty to fighters who return to their units. Separately, communal clashes in Tonj East left 26 dead and 30 injured. Regional Trade: Uganda and South Sudan signed a trade MoU to ease border delays, while President Yoweri Museveni called for better security on the Juba-Nimule road and urged peaceful elections. Uganda says its exports to South Sudan are worth about $700 million a year. Defence: President Salva Kiir has ordered plans for a National Defence University in Juba to train military personnel and security specialists.

Regional Trade: President Museveni and a South Sudanese delegation discussed easing trade barriers, improving border security and advancing the Juba–Nimule road and power links. Uganda’s exports to South Sudan have reached an estimated $700 million a year. Election Readiness: Central Equatoria has launched voter education ahead of the December 22 polls, while awaiting National Elections Commission guidance on registration. The UN warned that disinformation could erode trust in the process. Political Tensions: In court, Riek Machar alleged his trial is linked to a failed bid to replace the 2018 peace deal with the Tumaini Consensus; the claims remain his account. Security: Fighting between rival communities in Lakes State left about 70 people dead, officials said. In Morobo, an armed group attack injured two people and burned three homes. Military and Elections: The army has ordered officers seeking election to resign from military service. Oil Sector: The petroleum minister warned that declining production threatens reserves and called for fresh investment in exploration.

Machar Trial: Riek Machar linked his ongoing Juba trial to political rivalry between the SPLM and SPLM-IO, alleging it is politically motivated and questioning why he is listed as the fifth accused. Election Preparations: The SPLM says it will launch primaries and state congresses ahead of December’s elections, while the National Elections Commission is seeking faith leaders’ help with voter education and peaceful participation. Election Rules: Army leadership has directed officers seeking to contest the polls to resign, tightening rules for military candidates. Political Contest: Central Equatoria gubernatorial aspirant Gismala Isaac Joseph has unveiled a platform promising governance reforms, anti-corruption efforts and investment in health and education. Security Cooperation: South Sudan is among 14 countries named under a US child-soldiers law that could restrict military assistance, unless a waiver or exception applies.

Election Rules: South Sudan’s army says serving personnel must resign before contesting the Dec. 22 elections, formally opening the door to military candidates while barring them from holding two roles at once. Opposition Access: Presidential aspirant Kornelio Kon Ngu’s party says security officials stopped him from flying to Wau, citing an order from the country’s top authority; the alliance says it received no written explanation. Civic Space: A new government, IGAD, African Union and UN-backed platform aims to counter hate speech and disinformation ahead of elections, with organisers stressing that the effort must protect free expression and political participation. Security: Lakes State’s caretaker governor says clashes between the Pakam and Kuei communities killed 60 people and wounded 78, and that security is now calm. International Pressure: South Sudan is among 14 countries named in a US child-soldier report; the designation could trigger restrictions on some military assistance and equipment sales. Political Freedoms: A Save the Children country director has reportedly been detained in Juba after officials allegedly accused him and a colleague of discussing politics.

Election Readiness: The SSPDF says soldiers seeking office in the December 22 elections must resign before campaigning. The National Elections Commission is urging journalists to report accurately, while chiefs may verify voters who lack national ID cards or passports. Political Freedoms: A Save the Children country director and a colleague were reportedly detained in Juba after authorities accused them of discussing politics; the director is said to be held at National Security Service headquarters. Security: Lakes State’s caretaker governor says calm has returned after clashes between rival communities left about 60 people dead and 78 wounded. Political Contest: Lead prosecutor Ajo Ony’Ohisa has entered the SPLM race for Eastern Equatoria governor, calling for respectful competition among party rivals. Economic Policy: South Sudan’s finance delegation discussed reforms and election preparations with the IMF in Bangkok, while the Revenue Authority reviewed progress on efforts to boost non-oil tax collection.

Election Preparations: The National Elections Commission says local chiefs can certify voters who lack national IDs or passports, a key workaround in a country where nearly 90% lack government-recognised identification. Registration dates remain unannounced, with the Dec. 22 vote approaching. Security: Clashes between rival communities in Lakes State killed about 70 people and overwhelmed Rumbek hospital, officials say. Civil society groups warn political and military figures are fuelling communal violence that could undermine the transition. Conflict: The SPLA-IO claims it captured a government barracks near Mundri in Western Equatoria; it also called for attacks on government positions and vowed to disrupt elections. Casualty details were not reported. Government: President Salva Kiir has reiterated that officials and security personnel need his approval to travel abroad, keeping the restriction in force for three months as election preparations continue. Humanitarian Access: The United States condemned an attack on World Food Programme workers and looting of aid intended for nearly 20,000 people in Jonglei, urging leaders to protect aid operations and hold those responsible accountable.

Security: SPLA-IO says it captured an SSPDF barracks near Mundri and that its commander ordered attacks to prevent elections in Western Equatoria; the claim and casualty reports remain unverified. Executive Control: President Salva Kiir has ordered constitutional officials and security personnel to seek his approval before travelling abroad for three months as December polls approach. Election Watch: Opposition figures have warned against a possible delay to the December vote. The journalists’ union says its own elections will proceed once a court resolves an injunction. Machar Trial: Riek Machar says an alleged assassination plot against him, co-accused and defence lawyers has made his trial “toxic,” and called for an investigation. Communal Violence: At least 71 people were killed in clashes in Rumbek, according to a preliminary government toll; authorities say security forces restored calm. US Scrutiny: Washington included South Sudan among countries identified for child-soldier recruitment or use, a designation that could restrict some military assistance unless waived.

Election Deadline: The National Alliance of Political Parties has warned against delaying South Sudan’s December 22 elections, saying inter-party dialogue must not be used to extend the transition or split the polls. President Salva Kiir, meanwhile, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to December elections after briefing officials on talks in Kenya and South Africa. Presidential Authority: Kiir also reiterated that constitutional officeholders must seek his permission before travelling abroad, tightening control over officials during the political transition. Rumbek Violence: At least 71 people, including four soldiers, were killed in intercommunal clashes in Lakes State, underscoring the security risks facing the country as elections approach. Local Peace Efforts: Rival communities in Jonglei’s Twic East and Duk counties have agreed to end hostilities over disputed fishing islands after fresh consultations.

Local Peace: Twic East and Duk communities agreed to halt fighting over fishing islands after fresh consultations, though the dispute has fuelled deadly clashes and displacement since 2023. December Elections: President Kiir briefed caretaker officials on his Kenya and South Africa visits and reiterated that constitutional officeholders need permission to travel abroad. An opposition alliance warned against using political dialogue to delay the December 22 polls or extend the transition. Rumbek Clashes: At least 71 people, including four soldiers, were reported killed in communal violence in Lakes State. Security forces say Rumbek is under control; the central bank denied reports its local branch was looted. Local Leadership: Newly installed Morobo Commissioner Moro Isaac Johnson Lupai pledged to promote unity and development as the country prepares for elections. In Yei, parliamentary aspirants are campaigning on services including roads, healthcare and education, while an activist urged voters to prioritize results. Trade Tensions: The national government says it has not ordered foreign nationals to leave South Sudan, but Juba County restrictions on foreign-run small retail have unsettled Ugandan traders and drawn calls for EAC leaders to avoid protectionist rhetoric.

Rumbek Clashes: At least 71 people, including four soldiers, were reportedly killed when fighting between rival communities spread from Nyangkot to Rumbek. Security forces were deployed, but the death toll remains preliminary. Election Dispute: The National Alliance of Political Parties warned that dialogue must not be used to delay December 22 polls or split national and other elections. The election commission has said voter registration has yet to begin, as funding concerns persist. Kiir’s Directives: President Salva Kiir briefed caretaker officials on his Kenya and South Africa visits, which he said secured support for December elections. He also reiterated that senior officials need his permission to travel abroad. Military Accountability: A Wau court sentenced an SSPDF soldier to 10 years for abducting and murdering a UNMISS staff member, ordered his dismissal and demotion, and directed compensation for the victim’s family.

Rumbek Violence: At least 71 people, including four soldiers, were reported killed in intercommunal clashes in Lakes State. Security forces say they have regained control, but the toll remains unverified. Election Diplomacy: President Salva Kiir returned to Juba after talks in Kenya and South Africa on support for December’s elections, peacebuilding and regional cooperation. Accountability: A military court sentenced an SSPDF soldier to 10 years for abducting and murdering a UNMISS staff member, and ordered his dismissal and compensation for the family. Foreign Traders: The Foreign Affairs Ministry says there is no national order expelling foreign nationals, clarifying a dispute over small-scale retail in Juba. SPLM Primaries: Former Central Equatoria governors Emmanuel Adil Anthony and Rabi Mujung have entered the party’s gubernatorial race, urging members to compete peacefully ahead of the polls.

Rumbek Clashes: At least 71 people, including four soldiers, were killed in intercommunal fighting in Lakes State, the caretaker government said. Security forces have retaken control and urged communities to avoid reprisals; the toll remains unverified. Election Preparations: President Salva Kiir has returned to Juba after talks in Kenya and South Africa on December’s planned elections, peacebuilding and regional support. The vote faces wider concerns over readiness, including election funding shortfalls and calls for a peaceful campaign. Foreign Traders: The Foreign Ministry says there is no national order for foreigners to leave South Sudan, after Juba County told foreign nationals to quit small-scale retail. Uganda has urged Juba to respect East African Community trade rules. SPLM Primaries: Former Central Equatoria governors Emmanuel Adil and Rabi Mujung are among aspirants seeking the party’s nomination for governor, as political activity gathers pace ahead of the polls.

Election Race: Former Central Equatoria governors Emmanuel Adil and Rabi Mujung have entered the SPLM gubernatorial primary, while comedian-turned-politician Majuetdit is seeking the party’s nomination in Northern Bahr el Ghazal. Former Yei commissioner Agrey Cyrus has also declared a parliamentary bid. Peace and Security: CEPO and local activists are urging candidates to reject violence and put citizens’ needs first. The army has ordered Agwelek fighters to regroup for inspection and integration into national forces, under a 2022 agreement. Foreign Traders: The Foreign Ministry says no order requires foreign nationals to leave South Sudan, after Juba County told foreign traders to yield small-scale retail to locals. Uganda has urged Juba to respect East African Community market rules. Ebola Preparedness: South Sudan has put its health system on high alert after Kenya confirmed an imported case, but says no infections have been detected in the country.

Election Preparations: The National Elections Commission has consulted the Council of Churches on civic education and voter registration, expected to begin in the coming weeks. The December 22 vote still faces security and logistical hurdles, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa told President Salva Kiir. Juba Trade Dispute: County Commissioner Kalisto Lado denies ordering foreigners to leave, but says they should stop small-scale retail and focus on wholesale trade. Uganda is urging South Sudan to protect lawful businesses and respect regional commitments. Peace and Justice: South Sudanese church leaders are demanding an end to hostilities and stronger civilian protection as violence and displacement continue. In court, Riek Machar has called for a fair verdict, alleging political interference in his trial. Deportation Concerns: Human Rights Watch says migrants sent by the United States to third countries, including South Sudan, have faced arbitrary detention and ill-treatment.

Election Preparations: The National Election Commission says voter registration is expected to begin in the coming weeks as South Sudan works toward December’s planned vote. The timeline remains uncertain, with election funding short and preparations lagging. Regional Diplomacy: President Salva Kiir and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa discussed the December elections and peace process, with Pretoria expected to support the vote. Central Equatoria Race: Former governor Emmanuel Adil accepted the SPLM nomination to contest the state governorship, urging party members to compete peacefully. Machar Trial: Former First Vice President Riek Machar called for a fair verdict, alleging political interference in his case. Security and Civilian Protection: Church leaders urged the government, armed groups and communities to halt hostilities, protect civilians and allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need. Juba Trade Dispute: Juba County Commissioner Kalisto Lado denied ordering foreigners to leave the city, clarifying that his remarks targeted foreign participation in small-scale retail, not lawful residence or investment.